So, back to the point of this blog: gender, sexuality and books. And Today's book (points upwards) is "Witchcraft of America Today"--or more specifically, in 1970.
The first thing to notice is that this is a moral panic book. (Oh noes, I can haz damnation?) In a wake of the sixties every good Judeo-Christian man knew that witchcraft was a serious, serious problem! (Oh those terrible rabble-rousing Wiccans, LOL).
"One may wade in the occult water, dabble for a hobby or a recreation ... But in doing so it should always be remembered that witchcraft has strong, unknown undercurrents not to be trifled with at the risk of being pulled beneath the surface."
What, you might ask, are those dreadful undercurrents. Well, here is a clue.
"Relaxation of American sexual mores in the 1960s has encouraged the resurgence of interest and practice of witchcraft ... covens basically serve as an outlet for sexual release of sexual inhibitions and determination to achieve equality with the male."
If you are ever in need of a good laugh, pick up this book. Why did women in the 60s rise up for equal rights and take part in free love? Well, obviously, the devil made them do it.
13 comments:
I know a practicing whitch...There doesn't seem to be anything so terrible or unusual about her. She is quite nice.
I guess there has to be something to blame.
Hey, how are you doing? Hope all is well.
These kind of ideas were quite something in 60s but what seems even more astounding to me - that one could find quite a few people today that would agree with them...
I think I am married to a witch she always seems to know what I am going to be doing on a day before I do, or is that a boss???
Alister Crowley bought 8 copies of that book, ate seven of them and then crapped them out onto the eighth book. And if you point out that he had been dead for over 20 years by the time that book came out, I'll remind you that he was quite powerful.
OoooOOOoo! *wiggles fingers spookily*
LOL
My wife is a practicing pagan witch and the only thing she's pulled me under are the sheets. And (I have this on her word) she has no desire to be equal with men, just respected for her own gender.
Anyway, I've never understood the moralizing Xian's problem with the (radical) Feminist movement. They both show a rabid distaste for pornography, cosmetics, shaved legs and that fashion-whore icon: the Barbie doll. Am I wrong, or do they take turns riding that moral panic wagon?
The 'Black Canary' (a.k.a. Bondage Barbie) doll was a great example of that 'strange bedfellows' effect.
LOLOLOL! Not only a great post, but I like your new blog theme :)
Thanks, I am having fun with the new theme. I hope y'all will tell me if I load it up with too many widgets and doodads so the damn thing won't load.
I did take the adsense off because you are all cheap bastards and besides, my content was confusing the hell out of the poor thing.
P.s. Clyde, no one is allowed to be funnier than me on this blog. I am setting the bar low so I hope you know how to limbo : /
You know, maybe I am a stanaist. I just used 'damn', 'hell' and 'limbo' all in one comment.
Times have changed. Wiccans once were considered scary/crazy. Now they are part of our popular culture. Next thing we know, we'll have a black president!
Now you're just talking crazy, dude.
New template! Cute.. :)
Anyway, I always find witches a bit scary.. lol
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